Cedric said, “I’d like to see such a place.”
“You could – you can,” I told him. “It is still our home.”
“Why have you never gone back, then?” he asked.
“Time got away from me. Maybe, one day, I will.” I sighed. “Prepare yourself, Cedric. We are here.”
The castle had no gate to stop us. Still, I watched the shadows, waiting for someone to jump out and call us intruders, but nothing happened. Both of our paces slowed the closer we grew to the door of the Winter Goddess’ home.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” I asked.
“Yes,” he said weakly.
“Be the Shah. Don’t let them know you are frightened,” I commanded.
Cedric puffed up, winked at me, and then pounded on the door.
The door swung open. A familiar guard appeared. How odd it was that he hadn’t changed in the time I was gone.
“Yo
